Ventura says he ran for governor to "stop the madness" and stop Minnesota from collecting huge budget surpluses. He says he joined the Reform Party after realizing the Democrats and Republicans have little credibility and care only about the next election.

Ventura's appearances, including a national-television appearance tonight on The Late Show with David Letterman, as well as an appearance on Meet The Press Sunday, has catapulted Ventura onto the national political scene with speculation that includes a possible run for higher office when his Minnesota term expires.

For his part, Ventura has denied any interest in national office but says he " never says never".